At a glance

Producer

Morgan Winery

Region

Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir (Clones 777)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$45-55

Tasting profile

Expressive black cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, subtle clove and forest floor, with gentle oak spice.

Evolution: In 2-5 years, expect more earth, dried rose, underbrush, and nuanced spice with integration of oak.

At peak: Supple texture, bright red fruit lifted by acidity, layered with minerality and floral notes around 2026-2030.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, giving vibrancy

Tannins

Fine-grained and moderate

Alcohol

13.8-14.2% (typical for region/vintage)

Aging potential

Wines from Morgan’s single-clone series typically show best between 4 and 10 years post-vintage, with structure to age gracefully.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2024 to 2032

Current status

Youthful, but approachable. Shows potential to improve.

Current condition

Fresh primary fruit, youthful tannins and acidity; best from 2025 onward, but enjoyable now with air.

Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands—especially single-clone bottlings like 777—show early vibrancy but develop complexity and balance with 3-8 years bottle age. Morgan’s careful winemaking sustains quality to ~10 years from vintage.

Food pairing

Crispy duck breast with cherry reduction, roast salmon, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, herbed chicken, or lentil stew with root vegetables.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C / 59-63°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Softens tannins and opens up aromatics due to wine’s youth.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Morgan Winery employs cover cropping, no-till farming, natural pest control, solar energy, energy-efficient lighting, water recycling, and lightweight bottles. Certified SIP for reduction in chemical inputs, soil stewardship, and community labor standards.

Morgan Winery is a leader in sustainable winegrowing in the Santa Lucia Highlands. SIP certification ensures rigorous standards for environmental protection, water conservation, employee well-being, and community engagement. Vineyard operations use solar panels, reduce chemical inputs, and employ biodiversity-promoting methods. Lightweight bottles and responsible packaging further reduce their environmental impact. Proximity to major West Coast markets also helps to keep carbon footprint lower for regional consumers. Overall, the wine’s sustainability credentials are strong compared to global Pinot Noir peers.